Build Your Creative Future with Graphic Design
Kickstart your professional portfolio and unleash your creativity with the Graphic Design, AAS Degree program at Iowa Lakes. Choose between earning a diploma or an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree and gaining the skills, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to launch a dynamic career in graphic design.
From the first day, you’ll dive into the world of design, mastering key concepts like animation, typography, digital illustration, drawing, and photography. With access to our state-of-the-art Macintosh Computer Lab, featuring 17 new iMacs and the latest Adobe Creative Cloud suite, you’ll have the tools you need to bring your creative visions to life efficiently and professionally.
Beyond the classroom, you’ll gain invaluable, real-world experience through internships and collaborative projects. Working on a shared network drive with your peers and instructors simulates the collaborative workflow of professional designers, preparing you for success in a fast-paced, competitive industry.
Explore potential careers and salary information for graphic designers at the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook. Ready to get started? Connect with an enrollment coach today to learn how to take the first step toward your career in graphic design!
Find Your It!
From Concept to Career - Your Graphic Design Journey Starts Here!
A Portfolio that Opens Doors
Your portfolio is your ticket to success in today’s competitive design world. At Iowa Lakes, you’ll build a stunning digital portfolio highlighting your expertise in print design, animation, multimedia authoring, and advertising techniques. This portfolio is designed to impress future employers and clients, giving you a strong foundation for a vibrant and creative career.
Hands-On Learning and Industry Tools
Our program doesn’t just teach design; it immerses you in the tools and techniques of the trade. With cutting-edge technology and software, hands-on projects, and internships, you’ll leave Iowa Lakes not only with a degree but also with the real-world experience that sets you apart in the job market.
Your Career in Graphic Design Starts Now
Whether drawn to branding, animation, or digital storytelling, Iowa Lakes equips you with the skills and confidence to make your mark. Get to it—your future in design is waiting!
Comprehensive Skill Development– Sharpen your talents in design, graphics, animation, typography, digital illustration, drawing, photography, and advertising techniques.
- State-of-the-Art Tools – Work in our cutting-edge Macintosh Computer Lab, equipped with 17 new iMacs and the latest Adobe Creative Cloud suite, ensuring you have the technology to create stunning, professional-grade designs.
- Real-World Experience – Boost your job prospects with hands-on internships and collaborate on a shared network drive, simulating the workflow of real-world graphic designers. Our program offers a strong business core, general education courses, and specialized concentrations. Earn your Associate in Applied Science degree while selecting from four concentration areas or creating a focus tailored to your goals.
Get started today and make your mark in the world of design!
Program Details
Length
4 terms
Degree
Associate in Applied Science (63 credits)
Campus
Estherville
Training
Internship
Your Career Pathway: Additional Degree & Certificate Options
Additional Information
Term 1
ART 121 – 2-D Design
This foundation course focuses on the general knowledge and essential skills used in creating two dimensional designs. Fundamental design concepts including the use of the elements and principles of design, along with color theory, are introduced through a variety of hands-on-experiences.
GRA 118 – Electronic Publishing
Basic understanding of the components used in an electronic publishing system and an introduction to desktop publishing. Emphasis is on using a computer for page layout using existing art, creating art and combining text and art to create page layouts and output to hard copy. Students will learn about the basics of design and layout, typography and about the many design tools and resources available.
GRA 121 – Digital Drawing
Introduction to vector based drawing application. Students will create both black and white and multi-color graphics using application tools and menu commands. Various projects of interest will be completed during the semester that incorporate your understanding of drawing tools, color theory, and typography.
GRA 325 – Digital Color Theory†
This course provides insight into the effective use of color through the study of contemporary color theory including additive and subtractive color. This course involves the development of color perception, expression and application in traditional and digital design, through a series of problem-solving exercises and projects. Fundamental student experiences, along with a historical perspective will provide insight and understanding to the intrinsic power of color in design.
JOU 173 – Digital Photography
Basic digital theory, how the digital camera works. Includes digital capture of both still and video; input into the computer; digital manipulation; basic Photoshop and photography; saving digital images for future use and long term archiving. How to prepare digital images for print social media, web and other uses and how to send digital images after formatting for upload.
Term 2
ART 133 – Drawing
The course uses a variety of approaches and techniques to develop and enhance the student’s drawing skills. Exploration and experimentation with alternative drawing materials and methods will be strongly encouraged and supported.
GRA 140 – Digital Imaging
This introductory course covers the core concepts associated with digital imaging. Students learn how to effectively use this software in a graphic design environment; planning and carrying out professional digital imaging projects. This course introduces both basic visual design concepts and a comprehensive understanding of digital workflow, providing the student with a foundation for print, web, interactive, animation, and game design projects.
GRA 188 – Advert Layout & Composition
Balance, proportion and harmony as they apply to printed images on paper. Type selection, copy-fitting, use of ornaments and the psychology of advertising are explored. Students design for web or social media platforms.
GRA 801 – Graphic Design Seminar
Opportunity for career exploration and development of job seeking skills. Emphasis is placed on familiarization of businesses employing graphic designs, resume preparation, and job seeking skills including preparation of job correspondence and application forms, and participation in job interviews for the purpose of obtaining a graphic design internship.
Plus choose instructor approved electives: 6 credits
Term 3
GRA 173 – Typography
This course explores the fundamental principles of typography and its role in visual communication. Students will explore both the form and function of typography in design through lectures and demonstrations. Emphasis is placed on the history of type, anatomy of letter forms, and appropriate uses of type.
GRA 175 – Graphic Design Principles
Students work with advanced design problems and concepts. A semester long case study of a company will result in the research, design, and production of a marketing plan, logo, research materials, and other graphic assets necessary to move the company business strategy forward.
GRA 802 – Graphic Design Seminar II
This class is for the student preparing to graduate. It enables the student to compile accomplished works into a quality portfolio presentation. Different types of digital portfolio systems are discussed and viewed.
Communications: 3 credits
General Education elective: 3 credits
Plus choose instructor approved elective: 3 credits
Term 4
ART 203 – Art History I
Art History I is a survey of art history from the Paleolithic period to the Renaissance period. General artistic trends from each period and specific styles and innovations will be introduced and compared with the individual cultures and lifestyles of the people(s) involved.
CIS 148 – 3D Modeling and Character Animation
This course will give students a hands-on, example based introduction to the modeling and animation process for use in movies or games. Colors, textures, physical simulations, and keyframe based animation are covered.
GRA 141 – Digital Imaging II
This course advances the ideas and techniques taught in Digital Imaging I with an emphasis on advanced techniques. Focus will be put on the understanding of tool setting, curves, levels, blending modes, layer styles, special effects, as well as painting and drawing tools. Students will be challenged as a designer working with real-world projects.
Prerequisites: GRA 140 – Digital Imaging
GRA 932 – Internship
Supervised, paid work experience in a business or industry involved in an area of graphic design.
General Education & Program Learning Outcomes
In the Graphic Design program at Iowa Lakes, you will learn how to:1
- Demonstrate communication skills through presentations, critiques, written content, and rapid visualization.
- Produce comprehensive layouts for client/project.
- Produce original design solutions.
- Interact with clients or directors in a professional manner.
- Create layouts, storyboards, sketches, and/or site architecture map.
- Write proposals, design ideas, and presentations in a clear and precise manner.
- Demonstrate readiness for the workplace with the creation of a working digital portfolio.
- Apply principles of color theory, perspective, and design essentials to traditionally and digitally produced projects.
1The What You’ll Learn section of our website provides a description of Learning Outcomes for students who successfully complete all requirements for obtaining a Graphic Design Associate in Applied Science degree from Iowa Lakes Community College.
† indicates a course that fulfills the diversity requirement. This course may also fulfill another general AA requirement.
Hands-On
Training
Career-Ready
Day One
Opportunities, Earnings & Growth
Projected Employment Growth
0.9%
Potential Careers
Graphic Designer, Web Developer, Art Director, Multimedia Artist & Animator, 3-D Artist, Technical Illustrator, Illustrator
Projected Earnings
Iowa Workforce
$49,171
Average Salary
US Bureau of Labor
$64,700
Average Salary
START YOUR LAKER JOURNEY IN 4 STEPS!
Questions? Let's Talk
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Mark Rosenberg Graphic Design Program Coordinator & Assistant Professor 712-362-7976 | mrosenberg@iowalakes.edu |